1 Corinthians 7:32

Authorized King James Version

But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
θέλω
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#2
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#3
ὑμᾶς
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#4
ἀμερίμνους
without carefulness
not anxious
#5
εἶναι
I would have
to exist
#6
τῷ
for the things that belong to
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἄγαμος
G22
He that is unmarried
unmarried
#8
μεριμνᾷ
careth
to be anxious about
#9
τῷ
for the things that belong to
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
τῷ
for the things that belong to
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
κυρίῳ·
the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#12
πῶς
how
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#13
ἀρέσει
he may please
to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)
#14
τῷ
for the things that belong to
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
κυρίῳ·
the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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